Religion Notes: May 11

Saturday

May 11, 2013 at 4:00 AM

MILLS RIVERZwingert to pastor Anglican churchThe Rev. Erich A. Zwingert has been called to All Saints Anglican Church in Mills River.Zwingert had previously been the rector of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church in Delray Beach, Fla., for 10 years.He is married and has two children.

FLAT ROCKTipton to lead music at St. John WildernessDewitt T. Tipton Jr. began his new position as organist and choirmaster at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock on May 5. Recently he was organist at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors, S.C."Dewitt is extraordinarily well qualified, and we are most fortunate that he chose this time to return to his Episcopal roots," says the Rev. John A. Morton, rector of St. John in the Wilderness.Besides his new position, Tipton will continue as lecturer of music and collaborative pianist at Furman University and the official accompanist for the North Carolina Metropolitan Opera auditions. He is conductor emeritus of the Asheville Symphony Chorus, which he founded and conducted for 21 years.For several years, Tipton was organist and choirmaster at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville. He received a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Music degree from Mars Hill College.

ASHEVILLECatholic charity changing its nameThe local Catholic charity will have a new name on Friday. Catholic Social Services at 50 Orange St. in Asheville will become Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte on the 40th anniversary of its incorporation by then-Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte.The change is prompted by a desire to adopt a name that more closely reflects the mission of charity and the indispensable work done to share the love of Christ with neighbors in need. Catholic Social Services is a member agency of the nationwide Catholic Charities USA. Last year, Catholic Charities agencies across the country served more than 10 million people, regardless of religious, social or economic backgrounds.In the 2011-12 fiscal year, Catholic Social Services offices distributed nearly 400,000 pounds of food to more than 14,600 people. Burial assistance helped 106 families experiencing economic hardships lay their loved ones to rest. More than 500 people were helped by immigration services, and more than 400 individuals were provided counseling. Financial assistance was provided to 246 people, and holiday assistance helped nearly 2,000 people. Call 704-370-3226 for more information. The new website is www.ccdoc.org. McLaren to speak at 1st CongregationalAuthor and theologian Brian McLaren will be the guest speaker for a lecture series June 7-9 at First Congregational Church, 1735 Fifth Ave. W., Hendersonville."The Christian faith, I am proposing, should become (in the name of Jesus Christ) a welcome friend to other religions of the world, not a threat," McLaren said.McLaren challenges today's religious institutions about the planet, poverty and peace relevant to Christ's message. Tickets are available in Hendersonville at the Opportunity House, Hendersonville Travel and Tourism Center, Laurel Park Wine Market and at the First Congregational Church. In Asheville, tickets are available at Malaprop's Bookstore; in Brevard at the Highlands Bookstore. Call 828-692-8630, visit www.fcchendersonville.org or email fccucc@bellsouth.net for more information.Blue Ridge Ringers in concert todayThe Blue Ridge Ringers will present handbell concerts today and May 18 under the direction of Robert Currier of Brevard. At 4 p.m. today, the 14-member group will appear at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brevard. A freewill offering will be collected.At 4 p.m. May 18, the group will perform at the North Toxaway Baptist Church. A hot-dog supper, $6 per plate, will take place immediately following the concert as a fundraiser for the church's mission trips.The program will include "Barnum & Bailey Favorites," Misty," "You Raise Me Up," "By and By" and "How Great Thou Art."Call 828-692-4910 for more information.ALEXANDERWomen's Zen training offered in JuneThe Residential Zen Training Course is set for June 5-29 at the Great Tree Zen Temple, 679 Lower Flat Creek Road, Alexander.The temple will offer a three-week residential training course for women only, titled "Pajapati's Path: Women in Buddhism."This intensive class will explore the teachings of key Buddhist nuns and laywomen throughout history. Students will be introduced to the ancient writings of the earliest Buddhist women, the poet nuns of the Medieval period, contemporary Western teachers as well as traditional Soto Zen practices.All participants will be required to reside on campus. The $1,500 tuition covers shared lodgings and vegan meals for the three-week period. Students may opt to apply for three academic credits through Mars Hill College at an additional cost. Payment plans are available to those who register early. Call 828-645-2085 or email info@greattreetemple.org for more information.Compiled from staff reports